Ok,
Let me preface this by saying I'm not a Luxottica fan. However, they are offering to do a build-out for a new optical for the purchase of 300-400 frames. Which on the surface doesn't sound like a bad deal. Has anyone tried this? Does anyone have pictures? Has anyone heard of Marchon or anyone else offering this? I know most manufacturers will offer a nice floor display for their merchandise, but this is an offer for wall displays.
Suspect they are only offering this to OMD's who could pay for it out of pocket change if the dispensary defaulted. But this is not new, lots of wholesalers have set up OMD dispensaries for years and put the inventory in on consignment. None of them ever offered this to a starting out independent optician though. Don't blame them, but that's the way it's been for a long time.
Chip
Let the buyer beware!
Sounds like good business for both parties involved.
And just another nail in the coffin for the few remaining independents. Combined with volume discounts I'm kinda glad I'm old enough to where it won't matter to much longer.
Unless you're partial to independence.Originally Posted by Plausible
Between the two parties involved, of which one is more often than not independent. As long as the buyer and seller are satisfied opinions of others are.... well like......
A little independent is like being a little pregnant. You are or you are not.
The reality is that there are many private practices, OD's, Md's and Opticians that use both the Large Corporate Labs and the Independent Labs to service their work. If it works for them who's to argue?
There are no OD's or OMD's that are independents. Independents are optical dispensaries that have no prescriber owners.
Last edited by chip anderson; 02-21-2011 at 08:31 PM. Reason: No
Why limit yourself? Stay flexible, work with whom you are comfortable and go with it.
OK.. here is my take.
Sure, Vogue and many of their lines did well for me when we carried them. However, for many folks.. private practice based folks, 400 frames is if not their whole inventory, then it is a sizable portion.
You are becoming another outlet for them. The difference is they only paid for you wall units, not the rent, utilities and labor they do at their corporate owned stores.. Much cheaper.
You are a franchise (like Pearl!) but they don't have to give you a say in corporate dealings, nor advertise on your behalf. It is all about their brand.
If you don't keep purchasing their product, their reps won't come and visit. Their territories are so big, that unless you are doing thousands a month with them.. you simply aren't worth their time. In 6 months when you want to replace the frame with the stones that fell out.. it will be discontinued. Ultimately, once you get them out the door, you will still be left with a cheap wall unit, that most likely has their branding all over it anyway..
There are many frame lines that have similar or better quality.. for much less.. that would enable you to get something of your own choosing.. customized for your store, w/o having to sell you floor space.
Besides, you gave them enough money for their wall unit that they can now purchase new carpeting, or a new commercial for their OWN corporate owned locations. Cause while they make money whether you sell the frame, or one of their corporate stores.. the make MORE .. selling it themselves.
"Some believe in destiny, and some believe in fate. But I believe that happiness is something we create."-Something More by Sugarland
The world is not as gloomy as you may think, there are independents that compete and surpass OD, OMD, franchise and corporate stores.
As an independent I hope every OD, OMD and Optician within a 300 Mile radius signs up.
Buyers (suckers) beware due to loss of market share, decreased unit sales and desperation - pure and simple. Watch for a major merger in the near future - perhaps the price is now right for Essilor to bid and finalize its monopolized position and complete its vertical integration?
Wouldn't it be great to compete with a share holder of your own business??? Use your heads people - stay independent as there is nothing to gain and everything to lose.
what about Essilor's involvement in helping OD's start up and/or take over pratives, paying for health insurance etc etc.......
Please don't get me started....
i have found that large volume VC/Panam/360 lens users have no problem with Luxottica. Why is that ?
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